英语翻译
Life in the Past
Mrs Li is over 70 years old,and has lived in Beijing all her life.I asked her about life today and in the past.
Tell me about your parents,brothers and sisters.
My parents,my sister and three brothers lived in a small house beside a restaurant.We weren't very rich,but we were happy.My sister was the eldest child and she left school when she was only 12 to help my mother at home.
Families have changed a lot since I was young.They were much bigger in those days.Most of my friends had lots of brothers and sisters.Today most people only have one child!
Did your parents have jobs?
My father went out to work.He was a factory worker,and he often worked 12 hours a day.My mum wanted to work.She was a teacher before she met my father.Looking after us was a full-time job,so she stayed at home.Today it's normal for married women to go out to work,but it was less common in the past.My father had the same job the whole of his working life.These days people change their jobs much more often.
What was life like at home?
Well,I remember the family meals,three times a day.My mother was always cooking for us.We weren't rich but we ate enough.And the food was always freshly cooked—my mother never bought ready-made food as people do today,so it was much better for us.And of course we didn't have television,so we played games together and read a lot.I helped my younger brother with his homework in the evenings.
Where did you meet your husband?
I first met him 60 years ago.I was carrying some heavy bags on my bike and I fell off!He stopped and picked up my bags.My parents liked him,and thought he came from a good family so we got married a year later.I was only 19.
These days most couples meet at work,and they just hope their parents will be happy for them if they marry.
Has Beijing changed?
Yes,there are lots more buildings and so much more traffic!I can't believe the number of cars on the streets.But I suppose it's the same everywhere.And I walk less these days and take the bus more.
And do you think life is better today?
Well,I think so.I'm healthier than I've ever been.We live longer and we eat better.One day I'll be talking to your own grandchildren!